Heavy rainfall throughout January has triggered flash flooding and landslides across several areas of Madagascar. At least 12 people have been killed with 18 more reported missing.

Madagascar's disaster agency BNGRC, reported the capital city Antananarivo suffered severe damage from flooding where 500 people were affected and 40 houses were destroyed. The University of Antananarivo was also badly affected and had to be closed.

Four fatalities were reported due to flash floods and landslides across Antananarivo. Two more people were killed after being washed away by floodwaters in Andapa, northern Sava Region.

Heavy flooding was also reported in the port city of Mahajanga in the Boeny region, where over a thousand people are affected with many being evacuated and placed in temporary accommodation.

The Sambirano River in the Diana region had a rapid increase in water levels and began to burst its banks. Red warnings for heavy rain were issued for areas in north-western Madagascar, while red warnings for strong winds and high waves were in place for the country's coastal western area.

The Government declared a State of Emergency on 24 January and is leading the humanitarian response. Severe weather conditions including further rainfall are forecast for the coming days.